tag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:/blogs/cliffs-notes-blogs?p=2Cliffs Notes + Blogs2021-06-29T08:51:44-04:00Clifford Marshall Van Burenfalsetag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524272013-05-24T04:48:39-04:002021-06-18T05:19:43-04:00I was just interviewed by a radio show
<p>Hey Drummers and Fans!</p>
<p>I was just interviewed by a radio show for drummers called Stix-n-Skinz.</p>
<p>We talked about my 2 drumming work records and other items.</p>
<p>My interview on May 20<sup>th</sup> is the one after John Oszajca’s interview (music marketing manifesto creator).</p>
<p>Check it out if you can! CMVB</p>
<p><a title="Stix - N - Skinz Radio" href="http://www.stixnskinz.com/radio-show.html" data-imported="1">http://www.stixnskinz.com/radio-show.html</a></p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524262013-01-08T14:05:57-05:002021-04-22T08:25:32-04:00A Thousand Dreams song
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">I hope you had a great "Happy New Year"</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">My first Chapman Stick Demo song "A Thousand Dreams" was put on CMVB site today.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">I have had a LOT of dreams in the last few days - SO - a dream song was in order!! </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">I hope it makes YOU daydream!!!</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000c0;" href="http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com/music-15.html" data-imported="1">http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com/music-15.html</a></p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><em>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</em></p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000c0;" href="http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com/" data-imported="1">www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com</a></p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524252012-12-23T06:37:44-05:002021-04-22T08:28:01-04:00Happy Holidays! from Mr. Upside Down
<p>To All</p>
<p>May you and all your family have a safe and happy holiday season.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/428115/b515d4b5d95cd0eac794425a152bad7e4e0aad89/original/cliffs-upsidedown-xmas-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQ2eDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Happy Holidays" height="600" width="546" /></p>
<p>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524242012-12-10T12:52:43-05:002021-06-27T19:26:25-04:00My New Instrument - The Chapman Stick
<p>If you remember my last Blog, I fell off the “Music Writing” bandwagon. I knew inside that something would spark my writing again and I found it. The Spark in my writing is a relatively new instrument called the Chapman Stick®. The Stick can come in several forms, but in its most generic tuning it is a ½ Bass Guitar and ½ Guitar. You can check them out at Stick Enterprises Inc. <a href="http://www.stick.com/" data-imported="1">www.stick.com</a> to see all the various flavors.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Since I am predominantly a drummer I wanted a Stick that had my drumming mindset, so I asked for a custom tuning from SE (I could always change strings and get back to the norm if needed). The tuning I came up with is a Dual Deep Mirrored Bass style in descending 5ths. On the Bass side of my Stick is the lowest bass tuning a 12 string Stick can get to (b flat). On the Melody side there is mirror of the tuning from the bass side. This allows me to quickly find two notes of the same pitch, string size and mirrored location. This set up allows me to drum the heck out of the Stick!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As a Stick player, my style is a little unusual, but there is a method to my madness. While creating my 5<sup>th</sup> CD, I wanted a percussive, rhythmic bass sound, similar to a synthesizer arpeggiator. On my new project I will make use of the many talented guitarists that surround me (I did not want to step in to their melodic territory) so the Dual Bass Stick tuning fit perfectly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can check out the wonderful progressive rock sound of bands using the Chapman Stick: Search for “Stick Man”, “Stick Men” and “Liquid Tension Experiment” on YouTube. In fact the Stick player in all of the above bands is one very famous bass player named “Tony Levin”. Tony gave me my second Stick lesson at “Three of a Perfect Pair Camp” in New York, this past summer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It will take some time to get my chops together on the Chapman Stick, but every free moment I have, you can bet it will be with my new amazing instrument.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you would like to keep up with my progress please join my mailing list at <a href="http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com/" data-imported="1">www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com</a> check out my drumming world records and get a free song download off of one of my earlier CD projects.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524232012-10-06T09:47:10-04:002019-12-13T16:17:21-05:00Have you ever lost your way?
<p>As some of you know I am a very headstrong person, if I get an idea in my head, I do not give up until I get to my goal. Years ago when I had the desire to break a Guinness World Record. A switch flipped in my head and I never gave up until it was done.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After I spent well over a year working on “Vocal Eyes Vocalize” CD I headed right into writing and recording my 5<sup>th</sup> CD. After spending months of writing and recording, I just stopped. Not just “put it down for a few weeks”, I just completely stopped everything. No writing, No recording, NOTHING. This has never happened to me before.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did I beat myself up? No. Did this upset me? No. I felt like something in me said my music writing was going to change and dropping everything was a GOOD thing. It’s been many months since I stopped. Writing and recording would come back to me, I just have to wait and let events fall into place, whatever they may be.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I believe acceptance is the first step to recover what you lost. So – If you every loose your way, accept it with grace, it’s a much easier life if you do.</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524222012-07-15T16:43:15-04:002019-12-13T16:17:21-05:003rd music video is now on Youtube
<p>Official music video for “Final Approach” by Clifford Marshall Van Buren.</p>
<p>This song is from “The Moons of Neptune” CD.</p>
<p>NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Alabama used this song for the ISS BCSS video "Working at the Edge".</p>
<p>The "Moons" cover painting was done by R. Van Buren.</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy the new video created in AVID Studio.</p>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/mG3JlLLkVVg" data-imported="1">http://youtu.be/mG3JlLLkVVg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524212012-06-10T08:28:12-04:002021-06-15T08:04:51-04:002nd Music Video now on YouTube
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> Hello Music Lovers (and electricity users!!)</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">The official "Tricity" music video is now on YouTube. This song has a modern jazz fusion electro alternative rock sound with a comical "Love for electricity" theme.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">This is my 2nd music video off of the 2012 "Vocal Eyes Vocalize" CD. I hope you enjoy it.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Youtube link <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000c0;" href="http://youtu.be/K81OKVdlhnI" data-imported="1">http://youtu.be/K81OKVdlhnI</a></p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><em>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</em></p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524202012-05-27T04:22:02-04:002019-12-13T16:17:21-05:00Chapman Stick and Progressive Rock
<p>Hey Progressive Rock fans, some of you know I am working on a Progressive Rock/Alternative CD right now AND I am getting a Chapman Stick soon. I have a new friend of mine named Abby and she has a really great video playing a Chapman Stick. Check it out! Here is the YouTube link http://youtu.be/38rhB9AylFA</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Her Band is called Fuseboxx, they are from the Philippines. GREAT Music!!!</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524192012-05-12T15:14:49-04:002021-06-26T10:01:17-04:00Say One Thing (Do Another) Music Video on Youtube
<p>My first Music Video is done.</p>
<p>Say One Thing (Do Another) Official music video was created from an animation of my “Vocal Eyes Vocalize” CD front cover.</p>
<p>Here is the youtube link <a href="http://youtu.be/IjHpZsuekkU" data-imported="1">http://youtu.be/IjHpZsuekkU</a></p>
<p>or you can google "Say One Thing (Do Another) by Clifford Marshall Van Buren"</p>
<p>Have fun - it came out really well.</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524182012-05-02T00:30:24-04:002019-12-13T16:17:21-05:00Music Video for "Say One Thing - Do Another"
<p>This week I am working on a Music Video for "Say One Thing - Do Another" from my Vocal Eyes Vocalize CD.</p>
<p>The video is taking the cover picture for "Vocal Eyes" and making it talk and move like "Max Headroom" but in a modern way - This video is going to be WILD!!!! </p>
<p>You can see a still picture of it on my facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CliffordMarshallVanBuren" data-imported="1">www.facebook.com/CliffordMarshallVanBuren</a></p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524172012-04-29T06:49:43-04:002019-12-13T16:17:21-05:00Looking for a Video Producer
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Do you know any good Video Producers out there? I am doing a series of music videos and could use a video producer with a WILD imagination. If this person can do 3D animation work also – That is a plus. If this person is just learning in this field and is creative and open minded, that is OK with me.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">If you know someone that might fit this request – pass this information on to him or her and have them email us at info@cliffordmarshallvanburen.com. Thank you so much for your help.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524162012-04-20T08:07:38-04:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Drummers, Percussionists and Free Goodies
<p><em>Dear Music Lover, Drummer, Fan, Good Buddy</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I grew up reading many drum books in my life and my all time favorite book was “Soul On Bass” by Joel Rothman. While this book is no longer available, Joel does have well over 70 percussion books still in publication. In my opinion Joel’s percussion books are so easy to read, “I recommend them to teach students of any age”. I personally use his books in every drum class I teach.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>If you are a drummer</strong><strong> >></strong></em><strong> </strong>Please check out Joel Rothman’s NEW website <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0018jDF4GZ8whu6dM8RPRUdSL6EdVSAAeUXWx604zB_XYuRADwmAP2xsNOgcqocDq1uw7p0DYjKssQVHB20kgGOU0AWANKiA14hWu5fVEvKG9q3MWjwN1vCxg==" target="_blank" data-imported="1">www.joelrothman.com</a> Joel’s books can be purchased at a substantial discount on this site if you desire.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>If you are percussion teacher</strong><strong> >></strong></em> and not already on Joel's Special TEACHERS MAILING LIST, and would like to be included, simply email: <a href="mailto:joelrothman@btconnect.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">joelrothman@btconnect.com </a> (use TEACHERS MAILING LIST in subject field) </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>AND >> if you sign up >></em></strong> tell Joel that “Clifford Marshall Van Buren” sent you!! >> For a limited time >> Percussion teachers that sign up for Joel’s email list will get some great rewards (you must answer a few questions about your teaching and your style).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Joel will also be opening a special page on his website listing drum teachers and their websites. If you would like to be included, simply tell Joel your name and website information. (He’s a great guy – Give Joel a Try)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> If you are not a drummer or percussionist – but know one – pass on this message to them if you can.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524152012-04-14T04:55:01-04:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Musicians and Timing
<p>Over the years I have been in many bands and the number one issue that makes playing in a band difficult, for other members, is poor timing. I must admit that in my early years I had a tough time with my timing as a drummer. I did not spent time practicing with a metronome. All of my time was spent playing to music – where I was the follower – not the leader. After much time working with metronomes my timing has drastically improved.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here is a method that can improve your timing as a musician (this works really well with my drum students): Make sure when you practice with a metronome > Spend some time playing on the beat and some time playing in between the beat (like 5 minutes on beat, then 5 minutes in between the beat). This technique will boost your timing skills quickly.</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524142012-03-28T13:33:10-04:002021-06-23T02:07:57-04:00full free album mp3 download - if you are fast.
<p>Double Bass Drum Music has 10 full FREE album downloads of my new Alternative Album "Vocal Eyes Vocalize" - First 10 people that sign up to my mailing list > on my web site www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com gets the download.</p>
<p>Limited to 10 - go - go - go</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524132012-03-11T07:04:26-04:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Words to Vocal Eyes Vocalize Available
<p>Words to "<strong>Vocal Eyes Vocalize"</strong> Alternative Music Project are now available for free on <a href="http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com" data-imported="1">www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com</a> under the link <strong>"Vocal Eyes Words"</strong></p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524122012-02-20T14:40:17-05:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Do you know your Music Genres Well?
<p>If you know your musical genres real well, could you help me out?</p>
<p>I have to answer the two questions below for my distributors.</p>
<p>Can you go to my website and listen to the last song in the list. It is called "Vocal Eyes Vocalize Genre Test" This one song has pieces of my entire albums character.</p>
<p> Can you give me your opinion?</p>
<p> 1) Please tell me what Musical Genre my music should go in?</p>
<p> 2) Please tell me what Artist or Bands my music sounds like?</p>
<p> You can let me know on my facebook post, or email DBDM at <a href="mailto:info@doublebassdrummusic.com" data-imported="1">info@doublebassdrummusic.com</a></p>
<p>(Put in email subject line - Vocal Eyes Genre help)</p>
<p>Thank you for helping me.</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524112012-02-19T04:10:57-05:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00The Freddie Long Band award from Frederick Magazine
<p>Hello Music Fans</p>
<p>There was a guest singer on my "Vocal Eyes Vocalize" Alternative album. His name is Freddie Long; he just received a great award from Frederick Magazine.</p>
<p>Here are his own words after getting such great recognition: "Huge thanks to Frederick Magazine and everyone who voted The Freddie Long Band the Best of Frederick 2012 -- I am incredibly honored to be recognized in such a big way by my hometown"</p>
<p>Great job Freddie! You’re a hard worker and you deserve the award!!</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524102012-02-12T07:00:20-05:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Artwork and Guest Singer on my Vocal Eyes project
<p>Hello Music Fans</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The front cover picture (demo proof only) of my Vocal Eyes project can be seen on my Facebook Musician page if you wish (the link to the facebook page is on www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com). There are still a few little things to tweak, but the cover is fairly close to the final output. The picture represents the dual meaning songs (and some have triple meaning) of the project. I hope you have fun trying to figure them out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On Vocal Eyes there were some low vocal parts I could not sing, so I asked Freddie Long of the Freddie Long Band to sing the low parts and he said yes! I have to admit his voice added great character and depth to my project.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Freddie is a great singer and a hard worker. Please visit <a href="http://www.freddielong.com/" data-imported="1">www.freddielong.com</a> and check out his music and story – you will be impressed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524092012-01-01T04:43:17-05:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Words to Cliff's new project
<p>The full set of words to Cliff's entire project will be placed on <a href="http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com/" data-imported="1">www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com</a> for free after project mastering is complete. Since Cliff's musical project has a Techno feel and sounds like Radiohead and Talking Heads music, the CD will be placed in the Alternative Music Category.</p>
<p>Each song in the project had been written to have at least a "dual meaning or idea" within its theme.</p>
<p>Each song has a catchy Hook to remember it by.</p>
<p>Each song has a moving, toe tapping rhythmic beat.</p>
<p>Happy Listening</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524082011-12-07T14:53:20-05:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00My new music sounds like???
<p>A while ago I told everyone that my 4th music project was almost finished, and that I was replacing some of my digital synth work with some analog synths – WELL, I started updating my songs so much that I kept rasing the bar on what I was producing. While most bands probobly have “deadlines to meet” with their projects, I do not. I wanted the music to be the best I have ever done. It is a goal of mine for each song to be a “TEN out of TEN”. That takes time and lots of work. Since my new vocal CD will touch a few styles of music, trying to find the Genre that is a good fit is a difficult task. The distributors will be asking me which Genre to place it in? In order to answer this question, I ask people that come in contact with my music "What bands do I sound like"? The answers do not come easy. A recent answer that caught my interest was “Your music sounds like Radiohead meets Talking Heads" with a splash of Tekno Alternative. Sometimes a change in Genre is good!</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524072011-11-28T14:57:31-05:002020-10-10T16:58:50-04:00World Record Drummers Story update
<p>Hello drummers and music lovers worldwide.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just the other day I had the privilege of interviewing Trevor Mitchell of UK for my upcoming story about the people who broke drumming World Records.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Trevor has quite a story to tell, He was in the 1972, 1973 and 1974 Guinness Book of World Records with a record of 174 hours. He was also in the 1988, 1989 and 1990 Guinness Book of World Records with a record of 1,057 hours, and again in the 1991 Guinness Book of World Records with a record of 1,224 hours!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So his records came before and after my record. Trevor is one strong-minded person. His interview and story are truly fascinating. I look forward to the day when I complete this project.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Until next time – Keep your chin up, work hard and enjoy life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524062011-10-11T16:06:08-04:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00How to become a better drummer
<p>There are many ways to become a better drummer, more practice, lessons, attend drum clinics etc.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My focus today is on becoming a better drummer by “helping others” to become better drummers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What? "Waste my time by teaching a beginner or some other drummer?"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, that is what I am saying. In many cases you will not find huge financial reward in teaching but that’s not the point. What you get in return is a wealth of knowledge on how to help others improve, which in essence will unlock your mind to a world of improvement in your playing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I approach my students like a doctor with a patient who comes in with a problem. I listen carefully to what they say. I watch carefully for impediments to progress. Then I provide each student with his or her own prescription for improvement. Some might need timing work, others might need physical work, and a few might need mind numbing coordination training exercises. What I provide from an outside perspective to a student is keen observation and skillful problem resolution. From this teaching experience I observe my drumming from an outsiders view. It is easy to identify a problem and come up with a creative way to correct or improve my playing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If teaching is not for you, you can still use the “The mindset of a Teacher” for yourself provided you have a video camera. Create a new perspective with the camera. Use it to recreate "the person on the outside” by looking in at your drumming. Be critical of yourself! Be inventive! Come up with solutions that will put your playing above the rest!</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524052011-08-29T15:56:00-04:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Where is the creativity in today’s musician?
<p>I saw a video recently of Dennis Chambers being interviewed by iDrum Magazine. He was talking about musicians of the past, just jamming, looking at each other for cues. One musician would lead and the others would follow that lead, down a new musical path, all the while staying fully connected as a band. These band members were playing the same song each night but not playing it the exact same way.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That is the way I grew up learning to play. Groups of musicians would get together and jam for hours, no preset agenda and not much time spent on learning other people’s music. Time was spent just being creative and experimenting with fresh ideas, while developing a bond that is so important to play as a cohesive group. We would never have original bands if it were not for these experimentations in music.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fast-forward to today. It is increasingly hard to find people who can jam or that can play creative solos. I was once in a band that even frowned on someone doing a “solo”. The band members who frowned on the “solos” were blocking the ability of players to express their creativity as a musician. They would only learn and repeat someone else’s musical talent, missing the main point that makes playing so enjoyable.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here is my recipe to cook up some creativity:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1) Spend some time with players and just JAM. (Jazz and Jazz Fusion players know how to do this well)</p>
<p>2) STICK your neck out and write something fresh. Creative original music is VERY rare these days!</p>
<p>3) If you are in a band that is full of cover tunes, put some of your own work out in front of an audience. Look for clues, as to success and failure, and then keep honing your skills as a creative musician.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong – working on the popular music of our time and presenting it to the public is important. Just stick your neck out once in a while, play or write something BOLD. It might just bring your musical experience to a higher level.</p>
<p>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524042011-08-19T11:22:58-04:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00Which is best? Big drum set? Or Small drum set?
<p>Which is best? Big drum set? Or Small drum set? This question (and arguments about it) have shown up many times on the drum forums. I would like to give my perspective on this issue.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you are just beginning to learn drums, it is wise to not start off in the large drum set world just yet. Put your extra money on some lessons first. A single practice pad is all you really need to get started. If you can afford a small quality drum set, that would be good also. Drums take a pounding; don’t buy one that will fall apart in a year or two.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The reason I am saying “Don’t get a big set to start” is because you should not be spending your time going around a large set in circles when you could be working on your stamina, muscle memory, concentration and timing. Do not get distracted with “Which one of these dozens of items am I going to hit next?” syndrome. This problem is common with students who start on a large drum set.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have a large set, take the time to practice on a small set once in a while (or use small set mentality) to get back to the foundations of drumming. The basics of all complicated drum patterns are rooted in the combination of simple single strokes and double strokes. Always go back to your roots as a drummer and practice drum rudiments on a practice pad or snare. If you can’t do the basic rudiments then your drumming will suffer, small kit or large.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My preference is to do drum solos on a large set because I enjoy playing evolving patterns and melodies on the toms and cymbals. When I start a solo, I begin with a basic funky beat using only the hi-hat, snare and bass drum (again using a small set mentality). This is intended to remind myself of the “groove” that every drummer should master. After the solid foundation of timing and rhythm has entered my mindset, then I can branch out to the rest of the kit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So which is best? Big drum set? Or Small drum set? - Neither - its what you do on the set that counts, not what size the drum set is!</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524032011-08-10T15:07:40-04:002019-12-13T16:17:20-05:00YouTube channel for Double Bass Drum Music is now active
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Double Bass Drum Music (BMI) has its new YouTube channel active.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">You will find video's of Cliffs 2nd drumming world record, Clifford's product endorsement videos and DBDM Video studio's first promotional video featuring a medley of 4 of Cliffs best instrumentals including the song <em>Slow Walk</em> the only instrumental on his new vocal CD.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">You can find the DBDM YouTube link in the <strong><em>CD Stores + Links</em></strong> section or follow link below</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><a title="Double Bass Drum Music's YouTube Channel" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DoubleBassDrumMusic" target="_blank" data-imported="1">www.youtube.com/user/DoubleBassDrumMusic</a></p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Have fun watching!</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><em>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</em></p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524022011-07-27T04:01:44-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00I now have an official 2nd Drumming World Record
<p>On July 23rd in Nashville at the Summer NAMM convention I set a new Drumming World record of 6,300 single stroke beats in 10 minutes hanging upside down from my ankles at the Worlds Fastest Drummer Stage. Video of the event is now on you tube. You can Google "Clifford Marshall Van Buren" Upside down drumming to find the link, or go to my facebook page below and look for video.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Clifford Marshall Van Buren</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com" data-imported="1">www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cliffordmarshallvanburen.com" data-imported="1">www.facebook.com/CliffordMarshallVanBuren</a> (Musician Page)</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524012011-07-16T10:57:21-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00Another Drumming World Record Attempt??? Cliff are you NUTS?
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">No - I don’t think I am NUTS, but I am going to try and set a new drumming world record. I can’t tell you much about it (and if I have told YOU anything about it – <strong>KEEP IT SECRET PLEASE</strong> – until after I attempt the event)</p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">NOTE: I will NOT be going for the endurance drumming record again – that takes TOO long to do and is dangerous.</p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">You can check back in to my Facebook Page or to my website for updates and news.</p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Please wish me luck.</p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></p>
<p style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61524002011-07-03T06:06:36-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00“Drumming for 30 days! That’s not possible!”
<p>“Drumming for 30 days! That’s not possible!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I hear the statement above a lot (and the responses always amaze me) when people hear about my Guinness Book of World Records Endurance Drumming record of 720 hours. The responses usually fall into 2 categories:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1) That’s great, how in the world did you do something like that!</p>
<p>2) That’s NOT possible, no human can last that long!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While gathering data (for an upcoming publication) on all the people that held Endurance Drumming records, I now have a clearer picture of many of the record holding drummers mindset. These musicians, who have taken the challenge of breaking a worlds record, not only prove that “it is possible” some of them even went out and broke the records twice!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I know what happened within my own mind to take on such a challenge and I am sure each person that broke the record had their own reasons too. In the coming months I will get answers to common questions from all of them while showing the common threads of these high achieving record breakers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Are you the type of person in group #2 above that automatically sets limits on what they see and limits on what they do?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Or are you a person that falls into the group #1 above where your mind sees achievement and then tries to find out all the details – so you can improve!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Where do you set the bar? Do you set goals? Do you push yourself? Do you take on a tough challenge buy doing your homework first and then trying to remove some of the risks?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your never too old to get stronger, it’s never too late to learn more, it’s never too late to push for more, it’s never too late to improve yourself. That is what’s Possible!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523992011-06-21T14:47:52-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00The importance of lessons and Asking for Help!
<p>How many of us want to get better at the things we love to do but fail to actually reach out and ask for help?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have always challenged myself to find the next level up. For many years drums and lessons have been a part of my life but I wanted more from them. That prompted me to set my sights on getting in the Guinness Book of World Records for drums. Did that involve training and help from others? Absolutely.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After that accomplishment, I had always wanted to become proficient on keyboards. This was my next challenge, add some great lessons on piano and fast forward a few years, I have produced music for broadcast, published 3 keyboard based CD’s and am currently working on my 4th. OK – I am still searching for the next level up – and its vocals. My strongest area for singing is in the low range, but singing well in the upper range eluded me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Enter the Teacher!! What a difference in my vocal abilities after seeking help from a vocal trainer. My voice can now reach powerful high notes. This success is ALL due to admitting a flaw, seeking help, then getting lessons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do you have goals? Do you want to improve? Seek out a professional who can assist you to overcome your roadblocks to success. Then you will reach YOUR next level up!</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523982011-06-16T06:16:43-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00I have fulfilled a long standing wish of mine and played a Chapman Stick!
<p>I have fulfilled a long standing wish of mine last week – I took a lesson on and played a Chapman Stick. What a complex and fascinating instrument it is. You have to press on the string to make a sound and an open string cannot be strummed. The drummer and keyboardist in me thought it would be a good fit for my style of playing.</p>
<p>I found the range from Bass strings to Lead guitar on one neck to be very impressive. Within a few minutes I was able to do fast guitar leads up and down the neck with some great bass patterns - all with the feel of playing the piano keys. I was no Jimi Hendrix in any way, but playing a Stick was a very captivating experience. Who knows – maybe I will get the bug one day and add a Chapman Stick to my arsenal of instruments.</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523972011-06-13T02:50:18-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00Calling all drummers – I can use your help!
<p>Calling all drummers – I am trying to locate all the drummers that had a record in the Guinness Book of World Records (especially the ones with Endurance Drumming records like mine). If some of these drummers are no longer with us and you know of a family member of one of the drummers that held a record – their contact information can help too. I am trying to compile a complete history of these drumming events.</p>
<p>If you know one of these drummers, could you pass my information on to them so they may contact me at <a href="mailto:worldrecord@cliffordmarshallvanburen.com" data-imported="1">worldrecord@cliffordmarshallvanburen.com</a> and ask them to contact me with “Drummer” in subject field.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you so much for your help, AND KEEP DRUMMIN’</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523962011-06-08T08:08:25-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00The untold History of “Endurance Drumming” World Records to be published
<p>I must say I am really excited about being involved with people who are creating the story of us drummers who went after the title of “Endurance Drumming World Record” with the intent to get in the “Guinness Book of World Records”. These records have been mostly hidden away in the background (on purpose) and we will put the pieces together to explain why some people wanted these records to disappear.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This story will contain history, details, personal accounts and challenges. It will detail why these endurance record attempts were eventually kept from view. The story we will be sharing will include extreme mental and physical challenges, tragedy, triumph and mystery.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can follow this fascinating story as it unfolds on my Blog at CliffordMarshallVanBuren.com</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523952011-05-29T11:10:47-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00Cliff has a new URL on facebook
<p>"Its official" Clifford now has a full URL web address on Facebook.</p>
<p>All you need to look for is facebook.com/CliffordMarshallVanBuren</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523942011-05-24T12:54:05-04:002021-06-28T08:04:49-04:00life's little problems
<p>Oh well!</p>
<p>I was sidelined last week with a little surgery, Doc says I can't play drums for 6 WEEKS - AAAGGGHHH!</p>
<p>Ok - I am using my down time well building my new Facebook Musician Page and other social media pages (never too late - right?)</p>
<p>Then its on to working my Youtube videos - these are exciting times!</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523932011-05-05T04:07:02-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00The power of Motivation
<p>How many of us are influenced by motivated people? The motivators in this world have a very special place in my opinion. To have the power to change someone’s mind with words or attitude is an amazing and valuable talent. When we need help to get fit, we hire a personal trainer, when we want to sing better we get a vocal coach, when we want to get financially fit we hire a financial planner, So what do we do to get our attitude fit when it needs a tune up? Listen to a personal motivator!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Someone once told me that I could NOT break the “Guinness Book of World Records for Endurance Drumming” and with just a thought, nothing more, I set out to break the record. The power of your mind is just waiting to be unlocked!</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523922011-04-28T10:47:29-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00Social Networking
<p>There are sooooo many sites for Social Networking out there now - it can twist your head around.</p>
<p>Well I have had to pick a place to start (drum roll please!!!, drum roll?, why would I use a drum?) and Facebook is it (Artist page and personal page).</p>
<p>I have to admit - one must spend lots of time putting things together, time taken away from the studio, while unfortunate, it is necessary in this web connected world.</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523912011-04-24T14:10:33-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00How do you like to get Song Lyrics? Let Cliff know!
<p>My 4th CD >> coming to a "Store Near You" soon << will have lyrics.</p>
<p>Do you like to have lyrics printed in the CD? or what do you do if you get a digital down load with NO lyrics, how do you get them? - I would like to know, how YOU would want my lyrics.</p>
<p>Please send an email with the subject "Song Lyrics" to Double Bass Drum Music at DBDM@cliffordmarshallvanburen.com and let us know how YOU would like to get lyrics.</p>
<p>Thanks for helping us to make a better musical product.</p>
<p>Cliff and the folks at Double Bass Drum Music</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523902011-04-17T03:31:17-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00Streaming Music Radio
<p>I find Streaming Music Radio to be a fascinating idea. Sites like Last.fm, Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster etc. have radio services that actually help musicians and artists get paid. After I converted my OLD catalog of music to digital downloads with tracking codes I am now seeing royalties coming from sites that have played my music recently - WHAT A GREAT IDEA - no longer does an artist or band have to rely on someone filling out a survey sheet to get paid, you just show up automatically and get paid - WOW. </p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523892011-03-27T16:01:04-04:002021-06-22T21:49:50-04:00Music on servers world wide
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">I am somewhat amazed when I google my full name with quotes around it like "Clifford Marshall Van Buren" and look to see where my songs have gone lately (mostly legal sites, but some illegal sites too!).</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">The songs are in most large countries across the globe. Due to the fact that my first 3 CD's were instrumental, there was no language barrier to slow its presentation. </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">I have found my music in China, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, Italy all over Europe and others (some countries with language fonts I do not understand, with my name next to it), some songs are even on current Radio playlists in US and across the globe.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">After all this time, I would have never thought it possible.</p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523882011-03-22T07:53:28-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00Digital vs Analog synths
<p>I must admit - While mixing my 4th CD I noticed that some of the synth sounds were brittle sounding on certain systems. So in comparison I fired up some of my old analog synths and picked some similar patches - WOW - I forgot how great multiple analog synths sound when the oscillators drift - so powerful and warm.</p>
<p>Now, I do love the extreme power and flexibility of digital synths, but they cant do everything YET. So I am taking my project back to the studio, to replace some parts with my Oberheims.</p>
<p>This will delay my project further - but the finished product will be even better - and thats what we all want!</p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523872011-03-21T07:56:55-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:004th CD project update
<p>Status: 12 songs are in the Mixing stage - Computers are SO powerful to mix music, 1,000 ways to create and 2,000 ways to destroy your work! </p>
<p>Cliff</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Burentag:cliffordmarshallvanburen.com,2005:Post/61523862011-03-20T07:57:10-04:002019-12-13T16:17:19-05:00Videos to start soon
<p>Cliff will soon release videos of his drumming and the way he approaches writing and creating music. At present he is still completing his latest CD project while working on the videos.</p>
<p>DBDM</p>
Clifford Marshall Van Buren